Emaciated: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe someone who has lost a lot of weight due to illness or severe lack of nourishment. It carries a strong negative connotation and suggests a serious degree of undernourishment.

• The refugees appeared emaciated after spending weeks without proper food.
• His emaciated frame was evident even through his clothing.

A more neutral term used to describe someone or something with little body fat or bulk. It doesn't carry the same negative connotations as the other words.

• She looked thin after her diet, but healthy.
• The designer cut the cloth into thin strips.

Used to describe someone who looks unnaturally thin, often with a focus on the person's face, suggesting weariness or suffering. It carries a somewhat negative connotation.

• After months of trekking through the wilderness, he appeared gaunt and exhausted.
• Her gaunt cheeks and hollow eyes indicated long-term hardship.

Used to describe someone who is extremely thin, to the point of resembling a skeleton. It has a very negative connotation and suggests extreme malnourishment.

• The skeletal figure of the old man was a heartbreaking sight.
• Her skeletal appearance shocked everyone at the reunion.

Usually refers to someone or something that is thin in a way that seems underdeveloped or weak. It's often used to describe children, animals, or plants, and carries a more negative and sometimes judgmental tone.

• The scrawny cat meowed pitifully at the door.
• He was a scrawny kid before he started lifting weights.

This word is often used to describe someone who is extremely thin and weak due to severe illness or lack of food. It usually implies a very serious condition.

• The refugees were emaciated after weeks without enough food.
• The stray dog looked emaciated and needed immediate care.

This word describes someone who is extremely thin and weak, often used medically to refer to severe muscle and tissue loss due to illness. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The doctor was worried about the wasted appearance of the elderly patient.
• His body was wasted from months of fighting the disease.

Similar to 'malnourished,' this word is used to indicate someone who hasn't had enough food or nutrients. It is a more general term and can apply to less severe conditions as well.

• Many undernourished people in urban areas suffer from food insecurity.
• The undernourished plants needed more fertilizer and water.

This word describes someone who has received insufficient nutrition over a period of time. It can be due to poor diet, health problems, or lack of food access.

• The charity organization helps malnourished children in developing countries.
• The patient was malnourished due to a prolonged illness.